The exquisiteness and attractiveness of granite makes it the premiere choice for home owners and inetrior designers to use. It is used in new builds and remodelled kitchens and adds beauty and elegance to a room. Even though it is a an expensive material, granites strength and beauty still makes it first choice material for many customers to use.

The stone itself is not where the main cost lies. Cost includes the granite, the preparation, cutting, polishing, transporting and installing. Granite colours do range in price quite considerably, installation may or may not be included in the price so this may be an extra cost.

Dealers who provide a full service of templating, producing and installing will probably quote an all-inclusive price. The stone industry is unregulated, from the quarry to the supplier to the retailer to the fabricator, they can determine their own pricing depending on the demand in the local market at the time, therefore ensure your supplier has proven stonemasonry experience since there are many "cowboy" operators prepared to fleece the unwary.

Granite ranges in price, depending on the country of origin, the colour, the fashion at the time, thickness of the slab and veins or patterns. Some granites show a visible movement or pattern which can also affect the cost of the material. Each supplier will have their own pricing range that will have three or four groupings or tiers. This will range from most expensive to the more economical. The first grouping will include the premium products that are the highest priced granites available.

Granites from a lower tier are not referred to as 'commercial quality' granite and the granite still has the same attractiveness and benefits as the granites in higher tiers. Trade quality standards may be found here. Stones in a lower tier might be much harder so it is worth shopping around for the better deal. Softer materials may require additional support when installed which can affect the final price of the countertop.

Granite slabs are usually 30mm thick, however cheaper, thinner cut slabs may be as thin as 20mm. If this is the case then the supplier would laminate it to plywood backing for extra durability. If you are looking for cheaper granite then going to a discount granite suppliers would be beneficial as they will deal with a thinner cut material. A number of suppliers now stock materials that are purposely cut thin and have been laminated at the processing factory itself. This may create a lower cost product as there is less wastage being shipped to the supplier.

When the installer comes to measure up for the template, ask where the seams and cuts will be made. This does affect the price of the granite slab. Another thing to ask about is the hidden costs of the wastage. You need to know as there can be at least one square metre (three square feet) of waste and the wasted material is paid by the homeowner.

Installing granite countertops should be left to the professionals, it is a delicate and accurate process. Finding a reputable supplier and installer who are willing to answer your questions should be your priority. You should be able to ask them questions and they should be able to answer them for you. They are the professionals and they will be able to help with any queries you may have regarding your granite kitchen countertop. The cost may be in the preparation and installing and this should be left to the professional, do not attempt to do it yourself.